Japan

Japan was a blasty blast (to quote Dane Cook). My mom and I toured around the Kansai area (consisting of cities Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto) with a small tour group. The first day was spent travelling through multiple modes of transportation- car, plane, bus, spaceship. (...) We arrived at a hotel in Shirahama, which is a town known for its dazzling white sands that line the sea. After getting settled in, we went downstairs to the hotel dining area and were presented a traditional meal:

Although well-received by most other diners, I myself found this meal a bit too rich in some dishes and lacking in others. Maybe I just wasn't eating the dishes right.......however, the visual aspect of the meal made up for the taste, tenfold. 

The hotel was an onsen, which meant they offered several hot springs for the guests to use. Before going in one, I had to shower beforehand, as to not contaminate the waters. I spent the rest of the night taking advantage of the hot springs and the in-room foot soak, and crashed before midnight.

The next couple of days were spent sightseeing around the Kansai region: (brace yourself for myriad scenery shots)

shirahama beach

rocks shot #1

rocks shot#2

colourful rock cave- oooo

a tiny waterfall at the bottom of a trail

a temple in Kyoto

ghost cave

bamboo trees

that temple emoji in real life

We only had one day to shop in Osaka, and went to Shinsaibashi, the city's main shopping area. Mom and I spent most of our time there searching for specific products that our relatives and friends requested, so we didn't have much time to scour around and shop for ourselves. I did, however, manage to buy a well-loved Japanese crepe (which, in all honesty, tasted like a regular crepe with a lighter whipped cream)

Our last day was spent in Kobe, where Mom and I devoured a Kobe steak (which, in contrast to the crepe, exceeded our high expectations), and watched some Japanese kindergarteners play with deer.

a glorious piece of meat

kindergartners

deer

kindergartners and deer together

Before we knew it, we were back on a plane to HK. It was great to have had my first experience in Japan around scenic Osaka, but I'd love to go back someday to explore Tokyo!

A Week in Review

My first week here in Hong Kong has been spent mainly in restaurants and the MTR- this time now probably being the first time I've had a chance to write. I've spent a couple afternoons already in Wan Chai, which is the area my father grew up in. The area is known for its abundance of cheap eats, (such as cha chan tangs) and the old buildings that are facing urban decay. It's fascinating to see where my father spent his childhood, as well as trying to picture him in the environment during his 'glory days' (haha). 

making 蘿蔔糕- to the bottom right is a traditional water boiler

a basketball court in Wan Chai my dad used to play at

I have also been reunited with the crazy bus drivers that scatter throughout Hong Kong; a force to be reckoned with driving their tiny buses. I don't understand how they can make their job so effortless, weaving through swarms of people and navigating tiny roads that make an amateur Canadian driver like myself look pale in comparison.

in Mongkok

Some of my family went up to visit my godparents in Sha Tin, whose  duplex on the top floor had an amazing  balcony- a refreshing view, in contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of the city. 

up on the rooftop

their cute dog

I spent the next few days roaming around parts of the city, doing some shopping here and there. I've been trying to limit myself, as I'll be here for next couple of months, and don't want to burn out my bank account. 

the biggest soufflé I've ever seen (!!)- phone strategically placed for size reference

Somersby has a pear flavour?!

I spent today in parts of Mongkok and Wan Chai/Causeway Bay with my good friend Carmen, who shares my love for food adventures. Thus, it was only appropriate to spend our six hours together eating at four (yes, four) different restaurants. (side note: my tummy is currently the size of a mother's during her second trimester). We met up in Mongkok, and roamed around Langham Place, 女人街 (Ladies' Market), and 花園街 (Fa Yuen Street). 

in Langham Place- the longest escalator in the world

the charm of Mongkok

Our food journey began at Satay King, where I satisfied my mango and crabmeat fried rice craving, and Carmen fulfilled hers-deep fried mantau.

We ventured off into a McCafé and ordered an impeccably made soy green tea latté- international McDonalds are so much better than ones in North America :(

Even though our stomachs were filled to the brim, we decided to go to a cha chan tag and both ordered HK-style french toast, alongside an iced milk tea- all for a measly 60HKD for the both of us.

apologies for no toast picture- it was devoured in seconds

We ended off our day right with happy hour- a lychee mojito for myself, and a lychee daiquiri for Carmen.

Needless to say, we are absolute troopers- also, I now cannot fit into half of my pants.

Soundtrack:
Heart Out- The 1975

我愛他- Della Ding (just for giggles, this song is my aunt's ringtone and I can't get it out of my head)

Next up, Osaka and Kyoto!

Hello, Hong Kong

            I spent a full day yesterday breathing in recycled air (aka travelling in an airplane). I had a connecting flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong, and ended up having a delayed flight due to some maintenance issues; anxiety was at an all-time high, let me tell you :(.

flight 1

flight 2

During my flight, I took a stab at catching up with some books on Readium that I previously did not have the time to read throughout finals season. Conclusion is that "The Intelligent Investor" is far more interesting than "The Fault in our Stars" (haters gon' hate...). I also sat next to a jolly man who ordered a Heineken alongside every meal and snack- quite the fellow he was.

Soundtrack- Flight Favourites:

·         Dive in (EMBRZ rermix)- Let Go

·         Falling- Yuna

·         XO- Beyonce

HKG

           Once arrived, I met up with my mom who was on another flight, and were both picked up by our aunt and uncle. Jet lag got the best of me, and I ended up passing out before 12 am. However, the next day I woke up bright and early (9 am, which is early in HK I swear) and went to the bank and immigration office along with my aunt and mom to get some paperwork done. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon shopping around Cheung Sha Wan and Mongkok, just long enough for bits of impulsive spending. 

breakfast (which should have been lunch...)

lunch (which should have been breakfast...)

Mongkok roaming

 And here's the view from where I'm staying:

so excited to be here for the next 3 months!